asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state how long the controlled prices of jam, as fixed at present, will continue in operation, and whether the prices of jam now operating will be taken into consideration when determining the prices of the 1942 fruit crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Jam.
The controlled maximum prices of jam as fixed by Order at present will continue in operation unless costs of manufacturers and traders, on which these prices are based, alter to such an extent that a revision is considered to be necessary. I may point out to the Deputy that the maximum wholesale prices of jam at present fixed by Order are generally similar to the prices charged by jam manufacturers in July, 1941, which prices were fixed under my authority, after taking into consideration, among other factors, the prices paid for homegrown fruit which had previously been agreed by the jam manufacturers and fruit growers.
As regards the prices of the 1942 fruit crop, it has not yet been decided whether such prices should be fixed by Order or should be left for agreement between fruit growers and jam manufacturers as before. I should point out, however, that the present maximum prices for jam allow for fruit costs only at 1941 levels, and would not permit of any increase in the prices paid for fruit.